Congressional Newsletters

RAND Congressional newsletters and alerts highlight our research on the most relevant issues in the public policy debate. See the most recent issues below.

Understanding Chinese Deterrence Signaling
Jun 21, 2021

As China leverages growing military capabilities and the availability of new communication channels, it is also changing its approach to deterrence signaling. New RAND research provides an analytic framework to interpret Chinese deterrence signaling and explores seven case studies of recent Chinese deterrence behavior.
Preschool
Preschool Programs in the United States
Jun 11, 2021

President Biden's American Families Plan proposes a 10-year, $200 billion federal investment in publicly funded preschool programs. As Congress considers whether to fund this initiative, RAND research can provide insight into the costs, benefits, return on investment, and features of high-quality preschool programs.
Military Personnel
What is the State of Deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and Korea?
May 26, 2021

Recent RAND research explored U.S. extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and in the Taiwan Strait. The researchers conclude that the state of deterrence in Korea is healthy, and all examined variables are robust or effective.
China
RAND Research on China
May 18, 2021

Strategic competition with China is among the top foreign policy issues of the 117th Congress. RAND experts offer up insight on a variety of topics, including U.S. allies and partners, gray zone activities, and technology and supply chains.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
China and Russia: Superspreaders of Malign and Subversive COVID-19 Information
May 3, 2021

Both Russia and China appear to have employed information manipulation during the COVID-19 pandemic in service of their respective global agendas. A new RAND report describes the types of COVID-19-related malign and subversive information efforts with which sources linked to Russia and to China ostensibly targeted U.S. audiences in 2020.
Military Personnel
The Link Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Military
Apr 28, 2021

Ambient sexual harassment—the sexual harassment of others in a service member's work environment—is strongly associated with risk of sexual assault, even after controlling for many other sexual assault risk factors, according to a RAND report.
Military Force Planning
In Case You Missed It: Special Operations Forces Culture and Climate
Apr 26, 2021

After several years of high operational tempo, what is the future of special operations forces? Linda Robinson discusses ways to ensure the health and culture of the force, right-size the counterterrorism mission, and prioritize diversity.
Telemedicine
The Future of Telehealth
Apr 22, 2021

Policymakers are considering whether to continue the expanded role that telehealth is playing in our health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if so, how to do this while ensuring appropriate utilization.
Marijuana
RAND Research on Marijuana
Apr 13, 2021

As policymakers consider legislative proposals to legalize marijuana, RAND experts can provide an objective and data-driven perspective on questions such as taxation design, health effects, and social equity.
Pharmaceutical Drugs
RAND Research on Drug Pricing
Apr 5, 2021

Most Americans agree prescription drug prices are too high. As prescription drug prices continue to increase in United States, policymakers have been examining ways to address this issue.
Military Personnel
Sexual Assault Doubles the Odds of Military Separation
Mar 31, 2021

Exposure to sexual assault in the U.S. military doubled the odds that a service member would separate from the military within 28 months, and sexual harassment was associated with roughly eight percent of all military separations during this same time period.
Autonomous Vehicles
RAND Research on Autonomous Vehicles
Mar 23, 2021

As lawmakers consider the future of infrastructure, autonomous vehicles have the potential to drastically change our transportation system.